GarzaClan, Inc.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T18:56:00.002-07:00

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season!

Mile High Marketplace

2011-11-13T14:52:00.006-07:00

We love going to the 'pulga' (flea market).
We love the pulga and the Mexican store at the local mile high marketplace.

The produce is fresh and inexpensive.
We love the roasted peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and fruits.

And, where else can you find John Wayne right up there with the super heroes?!

Power tools...power tools...power tools!
Didn't have a need for power tools this time, instead we got a canning pot.

If you need a prayer statue, the pulga has many choices.
I love the Corona beer barrel at the front right corner. Never hurts, right?!

Hot Wheels! Yep, there is something for all at the pulga!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T06:20:00.001-06:00

Everyone have a fun Halloween! Be safe!

Grapes

2011-10-23T11:54:00.002-06:00

We winterized our yard this weekend because it's supposed to snow on Wednesday. The sprinkler pipes are dry, the leaves are bagged, and the grass is cut. One more thing to do is harvest the grape. The vines are full of Concord grapes. Danny cut the grapes off the vine and I provided the photo documentary. Hard work!

Garza Ingenuity Strikes Again

2011-10-22T12:29:00.003-06:00

Time to winterize the yard. Danny put two covers together to fit the sprinkler system.
I guess double-wides are not available at Home Depot.

It's not official unless duct tape is involved.

It works!

Loki Tony

2011-10-18T15:26:00.005-06:00

Trying on hats...

After lunch in the French Market...

Feeding the carriage horse...

In Bar Tonique (drinking vanilla soda!)...

The Protectors

2011-10-16T10:05:00.007-06:00

New Orleans is surrounded by statues. All kinds of statues!
These first three are from the cemetery.

This sweet cherub is watching over Larry.

This one stands among rubble.

This one is in the garden of the hotel.

St. Jude...This shrine is at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Our patron saint...St. Louis!
He is in the St. Louis Cathedral.

Voodoo Authentica

2011-10-15T11:11:00.016-06:00

Can't visit New Orleans without seeing Voodoo everywhere!

In the doorways...

At the market...

Tony brought this one home...

We visited Priestess Miriam's Voodoo Spiritual Temple.

The Temple is lavishly decorated!

Each 'altar' has so many 'gifts'. It was really interesting to listen to the Priestess.

Cemetery No. 1

2011-10-13T18:07:00.011-06:00

This was a tour that took us into a rich history of New Orleans.
When I say 'rich' I mean a colorful and mysterious tour through the beginnings of this town's culture.

This is Madame Marie Laveau's tomb.
She is the queen of voodoo in the bayou!

This row was really creepy, even during the day.

Can you imagine this view from your front porch?

I love this view!

N'awlin's Food

2011-10-12T18:25:00.009-06:00

Fried Catfish Po' Boy!

Cheese fries!

Red beans & rice with sausage!

I ate the gumbo bowls too fast to photograph...

Rum Tour

2011-10-11T20:51:00.012-06:00

We went to a rum distillery in New Orleans.

The owner is also an artist who lives in Paris half the year...not Paris, Texas, but rather Paris, France.

This is a bunch of molasses. Seriously, rum starts with a vat of molasses.

Rum-a-dum-dum...lots of barrels of rum.

SHOTS!

Post-shots...

The distillery! Kinda scary.

So we continued the 'tasting' on the party balconey!

Hello New Orleans!

2011-10-10T09:39:00.019-06:00

Our family's semi-annual traveling summit this year was in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Our hotel is an old Conferate Army hospital and supposedly haunted. The ghost stories just add to an awesome ambiance and feel to our stay in the French Quarter.

This is the front of the hotel. The hotel is made up of several different buildings. It's interesting though that most of the Quarter's building are connected and make up little courtyards.

This is the hotel's courtyard.

Now, here is 'Building 5'. This is the most haunted AND the building inwhich we stayed. We occupied rooms on the 2nd and 4th floors as well as the suite in the attic. Yea...awesomeness!

Our room! The windows are huge! There are no screens, so you can (and, boy did we ever!) walk out the life-sized window to the balcony.

To the left of our balcony is Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville and Coop's.

To the right of our balcony is Jackson Square.

Our first night's dinner to kick off the family summit was at Cafe Amelie. This is where the gumbo tasting marathon began. And, a lot of other fun stuff...

We sat outside the restuarant. This view of the building was from our table.

Street performers are everywhere! Stay tuned...

Chill

2011-10-03T06:10:00.002-06:00

"As in life, chill for best results"

I read this on the side of a water bottle yesterday...a couple of times.

The View

2011-10-02T08:12:00.007-06:00

Look to the left...

...to the right...

...now, look straight ahead...

These are taken from the end of the driveway at the lodge during my weekend in the mountains. We caught the beginning of the trees changing to Fall colors. Beautiful!

Beignets Any Day

2011-09-17T08:48:00.002-06:00

We are going to New Orleans the first weekend in October with Danny's family. One of my favorite eateries is Cafe Du Monde. The beignets beat pancake Sunday any day! This is my last box of beignet mix. The chickory coffee was gone long ago (even though Danny said I could just buy it online, it's not the same as bringing it home from a NOLA vacation).

9/11

2011-09-11T08:38:00.001-06:00

If I Had To Choose...

2011-09-07T11:10:00.002-06:00

...I don't think I could either. These are two characters in the Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. My mom and I would read a new book every summer. Good entertainment!

Liebe's Larvae

2011-09-06T11:20:00.003-06:00

This is just gross! Liebe had a knot on her side that she kept licking. We noticed it about a week ago and thought it was a scab from a scratch. WRONG! We took her to the vet today because it was getting bigger. Turns out it was a Bot Fly larvae. The vet asked if we were squeamish, then proceeded...

So for the next 10 days, we have to give Liebe an antibiotic, an anti-inflamatory, an antiseptic wash, and doggy neosporin. Just plain nasty.

Grand Lake Escape

2011-09-05T14:03:00.010-06:00

This panoramic was taken by Tony's friend Tyler who went with us to Grand Lake this year. (They actually climbed this mountain to get this shot!)

Our little cabin! Danny and I could live here after the kids leave the nest!

In the meantime, the kids get the front room to hang out.

This beer is called "the white cap". Really good stuff!

The gas station in town. See the mountain in the background?
THAT'S the mountain the boys hiked.

Danny fishing in luxury.

The spoiled prince.

Great Northern Beans!

2011-08-24T12:50:00.012-06:00

I didn't have any garbanzo beans or chorizo, but I wanted to make this dish. (With the kids back in school, this week has been really low key and I have time to enjoy myself!)

Ingredients:
1 package Beef Polska Kielbasa, chopped
1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped orange bell pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, stems removed and rinsed
1/2 cup white wine

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef until fat is rendered, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. To the oil in the pan, add the onion, bell pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.

Add the garlic, beans, and beef and cook, stirring until the beans just begin to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Arrange 1/3 of the spinach in a casserole dish. Pour half of the bean/beef mixture over the spinace, and top with another layer of spinach. Pour the remaining mixture on top, and top with the remaining spinach. Pour the white wine over the top, cover and bake about 15 minutes.

Add more wine, if necessary. Give it a big toss and enjoy!

Look For The Sunshine

2011-08-23T16:43:00.002-06:00

Life can make choices for us.

Sometimes these choices seem unfair and make us unhappy if we let them.

But in the end we control our own destiny because we can decide how we are going to allow people or events to affect us.

So much of our happiness, and unhappiness, lies within the choices we make.

We can accept that life isn’t the way we want it to be, or we can work to change it so it will be.

We can walk through the shadows, or we can choose to smile and to seek out the sunlight.

We can create grand dreams that never leave the ground, or we can be builders of dreams that that touch the sky.

We can look at only the negative aspects of ourselves, or we can lift ourselves up by being our own best friend.

We can live in the past or dream about the future, or we can live for today.

We can give up when the road becomes difficult, or we can keep on going until the view is much better.

The choices in life are endless, and so is the potential for happiness…….

Copyright © 1996 By Nancye Sims

Parking

2011-08-22T09:36:00.001-06:00

For some reason, the skateboards get parked in the dining room. Why? Why.

Almost Complete!

2011-08-20T07:55:00.017-06:00

We first got the permit to finish the basement in 2001, that's right...10 years ago!

Danny and his dad put up all the framework. Danny and I put up 90% of the dry wall. Then things started to slow down. It's time to finish, wouldn't you say? So, in order to have contractors in to finish the drywall, Danny moved everything into the middle of the room.

His gaming console was the LAST to move out!

Under the stairway...this is going to be my new pantry. It also has a hidey-hole to the right. Harry Potter would have felt right at home!

All our stuff had to go into the garage.
Amazing how much is collected over the years.
I am not a hoarder!!

It was too much of a hassle to move this sofa back up the stairs, so the contractors wrapped it up. They also put thick paper on the floor. Not exactly sure what the wet spot is on the floor, but I'm thinking Lucy (our oldest dog) wanted to mark her spot. Ugh...just keepin' it real!

Yea!!! The drywall is finished. Danny and Tony painted the entire basement. Danny gave me an accent wall as well! I can see this turning out to be rather nice. No wonder the Tonster wants this as his room.

Bathroom is finished. It took only 8 trips to the Home Depot.
Danny has sworn off plumbing forever.

Here are the stairs with carpet.

Carpet! Now we have to get the support beam covered.

This will be Danny's new gaming place.

Next up...the baseboards!

Grillin' With The Garzas

2011-08-14T13:23:00.012-06:00

We love our Sunday family dinners! It's a tradition, especially during football season, which is upon us! Today at Mass, we bought locally grown sweet corn, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus scholarship drive.

I marinated the chicken earlier this morning. Once we got home from Mass, we cut up the veggies and threw everything on the grill.

Minutes later...

Oh, the sweet corn!

Tortillas!

Our canine natives were restless!

Add some refried beans and we gotta meal!

It's A Bust!

2011-08-11T12:01:00.003-06:00

I look like I was punched on the eye lids! Not the outcome I was envisioning! Lessons are definately needed on how to apply the 'smokey eye' make-up. Or, I could just stay ME. I tried!

Smokey Eyes

2011-08-10T16:07:00.003-06:00

I've been watching too many Jerseylicious episodes (but I do love that little Olivia!). Anyway, with my upcoming trip to New Orleans, I thought it would be a good time to 'experiment' with makeup. I know! Don't laugh! I'm going to attempt to do the smokey eye concept on the weeks I'm off from work. This way I won't embarrass myself looking like the Housewives TV reality princess wannbes. No offense to you REAL Jersey girls, you have the look down pat! I'm a big hair Texas gal with a Colorado o'naturale flair. Sad, but true... Wish me luck (and have a few laughs)!

Grapevines

2011-08-09T07:28:00.004-06:00

Our vines are out of control!

The vines get too heavy for the trellises.

I wonder what we can do with all these grapes.

Before / After

2011-08-07T13:53:00.019-06:00

Liebe gets lost in the backyard! It's time to do something about it...

We have not been doing regular yard work this summer. It's been too hot! This was the dog run fence before...

This is the dog run fence after!

The view from the birdhouse before...

...and now after!

View from under the plum tree before...

...and after!

Danny and I did lots of hard work today.
We treated ourselves to strawberry and blueberry parfaits.

IKEA

2011-08-06T15:24:00.002-06:00

So...we got the new IKEA catalog in the mail.
Gave it to Tony. Liebe got ahold of it.

A River Runs Through It

2011-08-03T21:17:00.002-06:00

I feel cooler just looking at this photo! The highway snakes along in tandem with the river. This was taken by my friend, Shirley, when we were visiting Estes Park. Very relaxing!

Handy Dandy Garza Fly Swatter

2011-07-28T06:32:00.003-06:00

Back story: The dogs have run through our screen door, basically making their own doggy door. Since no one wants to get up from TV or computer to let the dogs out every 5 minutes, we have not fixed the screen. Needless to say, we are having issue with flies coming in the house (and bees, but that's another edition!). The second part to this story is that Danny has been painting the basement, so various pieces of cardboard are laying around not being used. So, instead of picking up a fly swatter when we are out, the Garza ingenuity kicks in!

Be Creative! Danny made a fly swatter from the scraps of cardboard. As you can see, the handle is doubled. This adds strength to the swatter and prevents any vibration or kick back when making contact on a flat, hard surface like a counter or table.

Be thrifty! It comes pre-decorated with semi-gloss Behr paint. Only the finest!

Action! And, most importantly, it works! There...you see...Garza ingenuity saved us $2.99!

Lily Lake

2011-07-27T07:03:00.004-06:00

This is a beautiful spot! We are still deciding where to move (once we get everything ready and the stars align just right). Tony wants to move to a beach front. Marisa wants to stay put. I want to return to Texas. And, Danny wants to move higher into the mountains and live by a lake. After driving through Estes Park last weekend and seeing Lily Lake, I agree that mountain lakes are beautiful.

I Have This Problem...

2011-07-26T13:46:00.006-06:00

...with car windows. Twice now on the Aztec, I've rolled down the window and it came off track. But today, this happened with my dad's Cadi! Seriously!

And, with Murphy's Law in full force, it started to rain. I had to move the cars around. But, there's a problem...

...the Cadi doesn't fit on this side of the garage! Normally, the convertible is parked on this short side and the Cadi is on the other. But since we are finishing the basement, all the basement fodder is on the Cadi's side.

So I moved the Cadi is as much as possible so the leather interior won't get wet. When I told Danny what happened, he laughed maniacally. Man!

Red Hat Tea Party

2011-07-23T17:48:00.009-06:00

Spent the day at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park with my Red Hat sisters.

Our leader, Queen Sassafrass!

I'm Sister Rosie Cheeks, holding our mascots, Garnet and Amethyst.

Contessa Sassy Pants coordinated the entire event. Marvelous job!

Have dessert first!

Then, enjoy the meal!

I Am A Gamer's Widow

2011-07-21T20:14:00.002-06:00

Since our basement is being painted and all of Danny's monitors are packed away, he has acquisitioned the 3D-TV and sound system. Good thing I scrapbook, I'm a pink hatter, and I belong to a book club. Gosh!

Ruth

2011-07-20T07:10:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you and miss you!

(This drawing was done in 1954. Mom would have been 22 years old.)

Ruby Fiery Jewelbilees

2011-07-16T13:35:00.003-06:00

My very own pink hat!

Hee Haw Dawgs

2011-07-15T13:13:00.002-06:00

I don't even know what to say...

Lawn Care

2011-07-14T13:28:00.002-06:00

This is Tony's attempt to mow the backyard. With all the rain we've been having, he said he couldn't finish because: 1) it was too wet; 2) there were too many bees flying around; 3) I didn't pick up all the dog poop; and, 4) pushing the mower hurts the cut on his hand because sweat gets into it. Wow! Tony should join the Debate Club at school...

Jesus Daily

2011-07-10T07:44:00.003-06:00

You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you.
~ Job 22:27

Land Yacht

2011-07-08T07:33:00.001-06:00

This is my dad's car. It's a 2000 Cadillac DeVille.
Tony LOVES driving this land yacht and wants it as HIS car.
We'll see...

Together Forever

2011-07-05T17:18:00.002-06:00

My parents are finally in their resting place at the DFW National Cemetery. I love this box that Jase got for them. They are together forever. The ceremony was very small and private. I loved watching the 'Old Guard' fold the flag that they presented to my brother. It was very precise and perfect. I, too, finally have closure (and, I'm not sad). I love you Mom & Dad...forever!

Happy July 4th

2011-07-04T22:04:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th!

Silent Sunday

2011-07-03T12:30:00.002-06:00

Twinkle Toes can sleep anywhere!

The Big Reveal!

2011-07-01T11:56:00.003-06:00

Ahhh, the big reveal into the GarzaClan basement!
This is Danny's 'play station'.
No, I'm not kidding.
Yes, I'm dead serious.

Counting Blessings

2011-06-30T08:25:00.004-06:00

Who ever said life would be easy or fair? I think that is what WE want and wish for. I know life isn't either. Life is good, but it can be tough, a struggle. Even with all the trials and tribulations, I do have blessings, too. Many blessings! God's Will will be done, all will be cared for! Thanks be to God!

Eat Smart

2011-06-25T14:03:00.002-06:00

These are so yummy! And, at Big Lots, they cost $2.00 a bag!
I guess it's not so smart eating to devour the bag in one setting.

Collared

2011-06-23T20:52:00.003-06:00

Liebe has to wear this collar for a few days because of her surgery.
She has worked so hard to get that thing off today!

My Alma Mater

2011-06-18T08:26:00.001-06:00

Arlington High,
School of our praise
We’ll ere be true to you,
All of our days.
We’ll always cheer
The green and white
And owe our fortunes to you,
Arlington High.

My Rose Bracelet

2011-06-15T20:22:00.001-06:00

This belonged to my mom.
She loved roses.

Book Club

2011-06-12T19:44:00.002-06:00

I'm reading this book for July's book club selection.
It's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot.

The Groom Closet

2011-06-11T15:48:00.003-06:00

Lucy and Liebe went to the groomers.
We asked for a summer cut since we will be heading to Texas in a few weeks.

YIKES!

Lucy has a squirrel tail! Liebe could pass for an apricot rat!

Granny's Blanket

2011-06-05T14:04:00.003-06:00

This is a very special blanket that my mom gave to Tony when he was just a wee baby.

I wash this blanket every week...for 16 years! It is well loved!

Living with Coyotes

2011-06-02T12:31:00.010-06:00

I went on a walk this morning with my dog, KC.
It's warm, breezy, sunny.

We citizens of Broomfield have to be on our guard for coyotes.
I've seen quite a few, but only when they were trying to get to their dens.
Never have been approached by one, hope I never do!

The trail I'm on this morning is by the Tom Frost Reservoir
(stocked with bluegill, bass, catfish...so I'm told).

I was walking along at a good clip when KC spotted these mallards in the weeds. She about yanked my arm off! I was able to get a couple photos before they took flight to the safety of the water.

Part of the path is very low. I'm below the tree here.
Feels like I'm on a prairie in the middle of nowhere.

Awe...there are the mountains!
They seem so far away, but actually they are only a 30 minute drive west.

Almost at the end of the walk and KC spots the prairie dogs. Those little animals yip when they bark. They aren't afraid of a big dog! After all, they live among they coyotes, too.

Full Circle

2011-06-01T12:28:00.002-06:00

I like to revisit my old blog posts for several reasons. I don't want to sound like a broken record repeating the same stuff over and over, however, if I do, I want to add a new twist to it. It also helps come up with topics to write about. And, third, it's good to see where I have been and determine where I might be going. This blog entry really comes full circle from when I started journaling here.

In June 2008, my mom entered into hospice care. That was a difficult time. My world changed. I stepped up my visits to Texas so I could spend time with my parents. It was the first time I thought about what life would be like without my mom!

In June 2009, the pergola was our families focal point. We actually did lose my mom earlier in the year. It was so incredibly difficult to move past February 10, 2009. We pulled together a bundle of fun energy into Tony's birthday and the building of the pergola!

In June 2010, we went to Danny's family reunion and various vacation sites along the way. Little did I know, it would be the last Father's Day I would spend with my dad. We had such a fun time as a family this summer.

And here I am, June 2011. I lost my dad on April 10, 2011. Just three short years ago, I was introduced to fragile mortality. The idea of being without my mom was so incredibly scary. Here I am today without either of my parents. Full circle. Three years.

Moving on as I always try to do, my son will be 16 years old in a few days! What?! Sixteen is another rite of passage. In the mist of loss, there is still reason to celebrate life. This year is no different. Full circle. Sixteen years.

Iris Blooms

2011-05-31T13:59:00.002-06:00

I love iris blooms! I look forward to the blooms each spring.

For 2 to 3 weeks each spring, I keep a vase of iris blooms on my kitchen table.

They are beautiful and smell so nice!

Quiet Moment Things

2011-05-26T16:24:00.004-06:00

I really cherish my days off from work. It gives me a chance not to get a lot of housecleaning done, but a chance to rejuvenate and rest! It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of grocery shopping, kid drama, adult drama, cleaning, work, dinner, yard, etc. Some days, I just want to be quiet.

One of my quiet moment things to do is nothing. Absolutely nothing! I give myself permission not to feel guilty for doing nothing. However, with that being said, when I get bored of the nothingness, I like to read. I will read anything, even a textbook! (Hey...Danny read a set of encyclopedias at a young age. I'm in compatible company!)

Crafts! I love crafts! Scrapbooking and jewelry are my favorites. Sometimes I get my stuff out just to look at everything. Weekend retreats just add to the enjoyment.

Exploring the town with nothing inparticular in mind is fun for me. I love finding a new store or shop that is hidden away or off the beaten path. There are so many treasures to find when you are not looking, especially in an old bookstore or quaint resale shop. Add a cup of coffee and I'm in heaven!

Going to the movies. I will go to the movies with anyone including myself. I love getting lost in the big screen!

Playing in the kitchen. Sometimes I will read through my litany of cookbooks and spend the day 'prepping' for nothing inparticular, yet everything possible. Danny and I are looking into Indian cuisine classes. It's so nice he shares this interest.

This next one is fun for me. Takes me down memory lane. Ready? Getting the mail! Seriously! We can go days without heading out to the mailbox. It wasn't always this way. When the kids were little, going to the mailbox was a huge deal. They would dress up, load up, and saddle up for an adventure down the sidwalk. The kids took turns opening the box and carrying the paper treasures back home, fighting off imaginary quests along the way. Good memories from this one!

The dogs! As much as I moan and groan about them, they are wonderful little furry, snuggly friends. When the kids are home, the dogs are glued to them, primarily because the dogs get some treat or bowl of something they ain't supposed to have. But when I'm home alone, I give them treats and bowls of something they ain't supposed to have, but I also let them curl up on the bed, too!

And finally, naps! I wish I had back every nap I fought when I was a kid. I love the feeling of being in the twilight zone that afternoon naps bring. Of course, having the TV on for background noise helps get into that zone.

Yep, days off are cherished! These days seem to go by quicker than work days. Relentless time. Take the time to enjoy.

Are You Ready?

2011-05-24T16:18:00.001-06:00

Season Premiere
June 26th

Glamour To Go

2011-05-23T14:09:00.005-06:00

Since the world did not end, I thought it best spruce up a bit. I decided to organize a much neglected makeup drawer. After cleaning out all the dried up, old half-used, outdated products, this is all I had left. Not much! A little glamour can go along way...I hope!

Let The Judging Begin

2011-05-21T08:02:00.001-06:00

Oh wait! We’re still here! Well, then, let’s make the best of it!

It’s really very easy to become bogged down in the day-to-day humdrum, daily rituals that have to be done, habits that become engrained in our structure of the day. What about the bigger picture?

I don’t want to be set up to fail by not getting the list done. I want to be more cognizant of this bigger picture. My realization of this came with experiencing loss. And, with this loss came self doubt. I was asking ‘If only…?’ Or, “if I had just…’ Truly, there are reasons for every situation or event, including not getting the list done! There are no accidents, so don’t sweat it.

With this epiphany came a new twist to my outlook. I’m now asking ‘what can I learn from this?’ I want to make the best of life, even if I don’t get the list done.

While in hospice work, I find something from each patient that I meet. I call these treasures ‘salutes’. We as a society are taught to respect our elders. Honestly, the elders I work with are living history, filled with a lifetime of experiences. They each have a story. At this end-stage of life, (if these sweet people are not suffering from dementia) they are reflective, humbled, ready (or trying to become ready) for their journey from life to eternity. Not all are nice and accepting, some are fighting every step of the way! A lesson in and of itself! Once these patients pass, I share the treasures I’ve learned from them. This is the ‘salute’. This is my gesture of respect. This is what I take with me for my own search and journey in life.

So now my questions are not from a sense of loss or self doubt. I’m not going to judge myself based on whether or not I got everything on my daily list completed. When Judgment Day really does arrive, I want to be able to say that I learned from life experiences. I have lived. I have no regrets. Go ahead, judge me. I am ready.

Simplicity

2011-05-17T19:53:00.001-06:00

My kids gave this to me. I love them, too!

It's A Clam Chowder Day

2011-05-15T15:24:00.004-06:00

For a cold, cloudy, Colorado day, clam chowder is the right choice.
This is one of the dishes we put together at Supper Solutions yesterday.

Who's That Girl?

2011-05-14T13:35:00.004-06:00

Marisa got a haircut!

She wanted a drastic change!

This look really works for her!

She's still my beautiful tomboy!

Bad Girl!

2011-05-11T19:01:00.000-06:00

This is the work of our pooch monster, Liebe. Yea, the cute one! But don't let the cuteness fool ya'. She was a terror today. She also got up on the coffee table, stole a piece of potpourri, chewed on the baseboard, pulled Marisa's stuffed animals off the bed, ate a piece of Marisa's artwork, and drug out one of my hiking boots. Bad...Bad...Bad! She was given 2 rawhides to chew on, but obviously that wasn't enough.

To be fair, she didn't poop in the basement. Guess it coulda been worse!

Excuse Me While I Take A Moment

2011-05-09T19:10:00.005-06:00

I love going to the movies. I love reading books! They provide the best escape to real life. These are my top favorite lines from movies and from my favorite reads. They may not be yours, but then again, they might! Take a look...

10) 'Tell me about it, stud.' ... Grease (And then, Sandy tosses the cig. So natural...not!)

9) 'You're going to need a bigger boat.' ... Jaws (Really?!? There is no boat big enough!)

8) 'I thought you'd be bigger.' ... Roadhouse (Seriously, it's PATRICK SWAYZE!)

7) 'You a real cowboy?'... Urban Cowboy (Sissy, girl, does it matter?)

6) 'Come quickly. I just shot an intruder.' ... Sleeping with the Enemy (The music was eerie!)

5) 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner.' ... Dirty Dancing (I wanted to be Baby at that moment!)

4) 'Pigs on the porch just made things hotter.' ... Lonesome Dove (Augustus got that right!)

3) 'I'll be your huckleberry.' ... Tombstone (Okay, Doc, I mean Val, no Doc...swoon!)

2) 'Let's do it for Johnny, man!' ... The Outsiders (I was ready to rumble!)

1) '...you submit, do you hear? You be strong, you survive. You stay alive, no matter what occurs! I will find you. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far, I will find you.' ... Last of the Mohicans (No explanation necessary!)

Who Calls Me 'Mom'?

2011-05-08T14:11:00.008-06:00

Suspect #1: Girl, born 11/27, 8:32pm, 7 lbs 4 oz, 19-1/2 inches

Suspect #2: Boy, born 6/6, 1:41pm, 6 lbs 11 oz, 18-1/2 inches

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T19:46:00.006-06:00

Since Danny is out of town this weekend, and the kids are 'hanging out' with friends, I decided to take some time and make a few pieces of jewelry for myself.

So, off to Bead Haven I went.

My work station is never organized.

But, the end result is quite nice, I think!

Happy Mother's Day! I'm rather proud of myself and can't wait to wear these pieces.

Dog Day Afternoon

2011-05-05T16:03:00.004-06:00

Guess I missed the memo that it was canine nap time on the leather sofa.

Obviously, these pooch monsters are not used to anyone being home in the afternoon.

Reflection

2011-05-04T18:56:00.003-06:00

(for wordless Wednesday)

Downtime

2011-04-30T15:19:00.002-06:00

Finally! I'm enjoying some much needed downtime. I put in a 40-hour work week covering for the clinical manager. I am not an office person, so sitting in a chair was really hard to do. Plus, Danny had off two days last week and I missed hanging out with him.

Of course! On a Saturday, I woke up early, but it was so quiet. I just sat and listened to nothing. Golden! Then, the house started to stir. Danny had to pick up Marisa from a friends house. Tony went in to Habitat to volunteer. The dogs chased squirrels and ate bird seed in the backyard. I decided to play games on the computer. I'm now playing Mahjong Trails and Gardens of Time.

Laundry is going, but at a slow pace. Let the clothes sit in the dryer for a bit. I'm in no hurry. Kitchen is clean because I haven't cooked anything. Coffee pot is still on even though it's mid-afternoon. The sun is shining and it's cool outside. Awww.....

Nice. Downtime.

Teen Speak, Part II

2011-04-25T19:41:00.003-06:00

Top ten statements that Danny and I are really tired of hearing:

10) 'We don't have anything to eat." (Translation...'I'm too lazy to make something myself.')
9) 'Are you watching TV?' (Translation...'I want to play xbox and you're in my way.')
8) 'Whatever!' (Translation...'That's stupid, shut up!')
7) 'So!' (Translation...'I don't care what you say!')
6) 'That's so gay!' (Translation...'Wow, you're old!')
5) 'Chill...' (Multiple translations...'hang out', 'calm down')
4) 'Shut my door!' (Translation...'I want to text in private.')
3) 'I'll be home in a little.' (Translation...'Don't tell me a curfew.')
2) 'Seriously?' (Multiple translations...'really?', 'no way', 'are you kidding?')
1) 'I know, right?' (Translation...'I know, right?')

Groomed

2011-04-23T16:50:00.003-06:00

I could not get this puppy to be still for the camera. She's just like a kid!

We took Liebe to Petco to be groomed today, because she managed to get gum in her fur. Imagine that...at our house!

She is definitely a designer pooch monster! Oh, by the way, those bows...gone already!

Yellow Tulips

2011-04-21T14:27:00.009-06:00

One of the most admired and beloved Spring flowers, tulips represent Eternal Life.

Originally, tulips meant 'hopeless love'.

Now tulips mean 'cheerful thoughts'.

Tulips say 'there's sunshine in your smile.'

I received these beautiful tulips from my co-workers today.
When I brought them home, Marisa wanted to take pictures of them.
She did a marvelous job capturing the 'meaning' of tulips.
Thank you, Facility South Team!!

I Have Grieved

2011-04-20T15:02:00.003-06:00

Grief is personal, a process, a journey. The journey is different for everyone. I understand the stages of grief: numbness, disorganization, and reorganization. Intellectually, I get it. Ironically, I help other people in the beginning of their grief process in the work I do everyday. Emotionally, I'm living it, too!

I grieved in Texas. Went through the process of 'wrapping up' Dad's affairs in Texas. Going through the motions. Then, I returned to Colorado. Wow! Again, I went through those initial emotions of loss. 'Dad would never come to my house again. Dad won't get to play with our new puppy. He won't see our new stove. If we move, Dad won't know where we are.' Not all these statements are rational, they are words from a grieving daughter.

My grief is compounded because my mom died 2 years and 2 months ago. I was just getting used to not calling her everyday on the way home from work. I was just getting used to not hearing her nebulizer and oxygen machine humming. One of the last words I heard my mom say was to my daughter in response to what kind of golf shoes to get. I could hear her over the phone yelling, "Foot Joys, get Foot Joys." My daughter made the golf team that year!

How have I been grieving? I've been fortunate enough to have off work. Can you imagine being a hospice social worker at this time?

So, I watch TV; do laundry; read; eat ice cream; sleep; write 'thank you' cards; go through photos; post my blog; update my resume; play with the dogs; cry; reminisce with the kids; check in at work; fold and unfold blankets; got a haircut; text my brother a million times; and, just sit on the sofa.

Tomorrow I go back to work for half a day. I have a feeling it will be a difficult day.

Bo, Boy

2011-04-18T14:01:00.005-06:00

I believe there are reasons for everything. 'Things' happen and we can't fully explain them. After Dad passed, Jase and I found a poem written by my Aunt Claudie, Dad's sister. We were very fortunate enough to have it read at his memorial service. I wanted to share it with you! Finding this poem when we did is one of those 'things'.

Bo, Boy

Hi there,

Bo, Boy,

My oldest, best,

And dearest friend.

Bo, Boy,

I've never told

You what you

Mean to me,

Because, mostly,

I've felt that

The telling was

Uncessary and

Unwarranted.

Now, though,

It seems

Prudent for me

To tell you

What I think

And to tell you

How really

Special you are.

Hi there,

Bo, Boy,

My oldest, best,

And dearest friend.

Bo, Boy,

You are special;

You remain

To me

The best little boy

And friend

That there will ever be.

Love, always

CMcD

Silent Sunday - Marisa's View

2011-04-17T07:45:00.003-06:00

Along the highway through Raton Pass

Gifts

2011-04-15T17:56:00.021-06:00

I've come to realize the importance of gifts this past week. Gifts don't have to be wrapped up in a package with a pretty bow. My first gift was a hard one: visiting Dad in the nursing home, not knowing it would be his last day. I read from a Larry McMurty book called Boone's Lick. He had started that book last summer for something to do during his monthly infusions. Dad had several visitors on this last day. It was a gift to meet with them and learn how Dad had touched their lives. These encounters were really uplifting and will not be forgotten.

After Dad passed, I contacted as many of his friends that I could find to let them know. This is when I recieved a second wave of gifts. Dad had lots of friends! I mean LOTS! It seems that once Dad made a friend, you were a friend for life. He had friends from his childhood that he still kept in contact with, not to mention his 'golfing buddies', and even Mom's co-workers! I was blessed to have found Dad's old-fashioned rolodex wheel. Through scratched out phone numbers and worn out yellowed cards, I was able to contact MORE friends.

The gifts continued! Condolences, well-wishes, blessings, offerings of support and meals. I was hearing and reading about my Dad through the memories of others. Heart-felt stories, funny stories, typical "Jimmy" antics! Family members shared childhood memories. Some of these stories were new to me, while some were not. I listened to them and heard them differently this time. I appreciated these stories, longed for them.

Dad struggled with his health for a very long time. He was lovingly and jokingly called 'our kitty'. He overcame Polio as a child, beat the West Nile virus, lived with Diabetes and Myasthena Gravis. Later, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Then...he broke a hip. While losing Dad was certainly not a gift, his passing gave him peace. No more pain. No more suffering. The comfort in knowing Dad is no longer suffering is a gift.

My fourth gift has been with me for 43 years, my brother. Two years ago, my brother and I started on a journey that molded us into adult caregivers. Our Mom entered hospice in 2008 and passed away in 2009. I was in a position to fly home every 3-4 weeks to help with her care. My brother took the reins when Dad fell last November. Dad needed him close to home. I wrestle with the guilt of not living closer, but recognize the gift of my brother's sacrifice to care for Dad day-to-day.

You may know this man as 'Jim', 'Jimmy', 'Jimbo', 'James', or simply 'McDowell'. I know him as 'Dad'. The best gift of all!

Today

2011-04-10T18:56:00.010-06:00

My Dad passed away today. We are so incredibly sad, but take comfort in knowing he is with his beloved wife, our mother, Ruth, in eternal peace. I love Dad's service pictures. He was so young and handsome. I spent this weekend with Dad. He didn't talk much, in fact, he didn't talk at all. I got to take care of him one last time.

"I enlisted on 20 Nov. 1952 and was assigned as an Airman basic to Lackland AF base for Basic training. Promoted to A/3c and assigned to Francis Warren AFB on Feb. 18, 1953. On June 4, 1953 I reported to Camp Kilmer NJ. For assignment overseas. Spent 10 day on a troop ship crossing the Atlantic to Bremerhaven Germany. Put on a rail car through some of the worst hit towns during WWII. I will never forget the devastation we inflicted on Germany. You couldn't help but notice all of the women and very few men. You could get anything you wanted for a pack of cigarettes. We road that train to Paris where we immediately boarded another one headed to Bordeaux. We finally arrived there on July 3rd, 1953. That was my home in the tents for the next 36 months. Promoted to A/2c on June 1, 1954. Promoted to A/1c on February 1, 1956, I left France on June 4, 1956. On July 15, 1956 I reported to Biggs AFB, El Paso, Texas. Discharged from active duty November 19, 1956. I was released from the Reserves on November 19, 1960. I had the Good Conduct metal and the national defense service medal. I qualified as an expert marksman, and was on the rifle team with the highest ranking on our base. I had a secret clearance one of only two on our base. The other one was the base commander. I was in charge of all the ordinance on the base." James E. McDowell, 1/2003

Sister & Brother

2011-04-08T15:12:00.009-06:00

I love to reminisce over old photos.
I remember this one like it was yesterday.
I thought my brother made a cute sister.

Miss Priss...Not ME!

2011-04-05T21:09:00.004-06:00

I got this link from my cousin Wendy's blog. Sounded fun, so I thought I would play. The Prissy Meme

1. What is your favorite lipstick color and why? I have lots of lipsticks, but I wear light colors or just clear, because I don't really know how to match them all.

2. How long does it take you to get ready to go to work in the morning? About 30 minutes

3. Do you have your nails professionally done? Mani? Pedi? Yes, when I can afford to, or if I have an important event to attend.

4. Tell us about your latest spa experience - real or imagined. I get spa days at Christmas and Mother's Day from my family.

5. Is there something you'd like to change about your appearance? Would you ever have cosmetic surgery? Yes, less wrinkles! I broke my nose playing softball, so fixing that was cosmetic surgery, and insurance paid for it!

6. How do you take care of your skin? BeautiControl products

7. Tell us your secrets for vibrant, shiny, healthy-looking hair. Wen (from the infomercial and Meg's friend Louise!)

8. What is your favorite fragrance? Georgio

9. Everyone has a certain color they love to wear. What is yours? Blue

10. Do you have ink? Yes...two

11. How would you describe your personal style? From 'down-to-earth' to 'social work-ish'

Cropped

2011-04-02T16:36:00.014-06:00

Finally!

Our Rodriguez family reunion was last summer and I'm just now getting the photos printed and into the album.

The first two pages are a combo from the cousin's pachanga at Urban's house and main event reunion at Danny's parent's house.

These next three pages are from our fushia family (the descendents of Alejandro AKA Papon).

Lots of dancing! Even Danny showed his 'Elaine' moves with Tia Bebe!

Lots of hugs! Marisa got her share, too!

Million Dollar Smile

2011-03-28T18:59:00.001-06:00

Tony got his braces off! I may be biased, but I think he has a million dollar smile! Muah...

Shocker!

2011-03-26T19:27:00.002-06:00

Tony registered for a Medical Sciences Program (in addition to his regular Junior year schedule for next year). Of course, we encouraged him to sign up for classes he thought he would be interested in. Imagine my surprise when I opened the letter with his pre-acceptance into this program!

He has to ask one of his math or science teachers and his counselor to complete recommendation letters. Tony has to complete a self-assessment and an essay. We have to attend a pre-acceptance session is two weeks. This process moves fast.

If he gets into this program, it will open the door to lots of scholarship offers! I'm down with that!

Who Dunnit?

2011-03-22T11:47:00.004-06:00

Can't turn my back on this pooch monster for a second! I had taken a roll of paper towels upstairs, put them in the cleaning basket with all the other supplies.

I went back downstairs to find my coffee cup, got distracted, and came back to find this mess.

I don't know which one, or which combo of pups, did this! KC looks alittle guilt.

Liebe wasn't phased at all!

I'm On Strike!...Revisited

2011-03-19T09:36:00.006-06:00

Last summer, I came home to find the sink looking like this: (previous post)

We are updating our house to put it on the market. The room that needs the most updating is the kitchen. Danny installed a new stainless steel kitchen sink. We told the kids to put their dishes in the dishwasher...from...now...on!

Ok, granted, this is better, much better, but really? Come on...
I know who you are and where you crash at night!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T18:20:00.001-06:00

My parents married on this day.
Today would have been their 54th wedding anniversary.

I love you, Dad! I miss you, Mom!

My First Mistake

2011-03-15T20:28:00.004-06:00

...was putting out a note pad and asking the kids to write down what they want from the store. Here are the top dozen items:

Ketchup
Peanut Butter
Tortillas
Pizza Rolls
Oreos
Grapes
String Cheese
Peach Yoplait Yogurt
Munchies - HOT
Kettle Korn
AA Batteries
Ice Cream

My second mistake...I haven't gone to the store yet!

Fast Friends

2011-03-08T19:59:00.002-07:00

It didn't take long for Liebe to nuzzle her way into KC's space. They are together all the time now. Liebe is KC's mini-me: playful, fiesty, mischievous, and huggy. One is big while the other is small.

As Time Goes By

2011-03-01T16:33:00.002-07:00

I still see the Tonster as if he were the baby in the photo...

And The Fun Begins

2011-02-20T06:47:00.002-07:00

I wish I had a video camera set up to see just how Liebe reaches the toilet paper roll, and even UNROLLS the toilet paper!

Sister Dogs

2011-02-18T08:43:00.005-07:00

We are having so much fun with the new puppy!

She holds her own with the big dogs!

She's a spunk!

Happy Valentine's Day, Liebe Bell!

2011-02-14T18:54:00.003-07:00

Meet 'Liebe Bell'...she is an apricot poodle/maltse mix. How did we come up with the name 'Liebe'? Well, it's St. Valentine's Day and on the way to school the kids were thinking of different words for 'love'. Tony came up with 'Liebe'. It means love in German.

I think he loves her.

Memory Lane

2011-02-05T16:45:00.008-07:00

The kids loved to play on the ceramic pigs at Aunt Nell's during Thanksgiving.

The kids voted that their favorite time was playing in Granny's backyard.
Barefoot. Popsicles. Nacho Libre Capes.

Granny at work. Fishing at the lake house. Halloween Nun!

Halloween Priest! Papa with his puppy, Sheena. The boat.

No. 1 Papa! Golf.

Papa & Mar-Mar

2011-02-04T18:15:00.002-07:00

Guess what I'm doing? Yep, scrapbooking. I brought home photos from my dad's. I'm making books for each of the grandkids. I started off with Marisa and her Papa. The top page is 1) at the hospital when Parker was born, 2) when Marisa came home from the hospital; and, 3) any given Sunday.

I cry and cry going through these. My dad looks so good in these photos. This is how I want the kids to remember their Papa! This page is 1) Marisa's 1st birthday; and, 2) at Shady Valley golf club.

History Repeats Itself

2011-01-28T15:44:00.002-07:00

I'm beginning to think Marisa can't see over the steering wheel! I thought something was fishy when she backed into the driveway last night. Danny and I were suspicious, but in the dark, we didn't see anything out of the ordinary...other than the car being backed into the inclined slope of our driveway at night. Hmmm!

As I was walking to the mailbox, something on the passenger side front corner caught my eye. Low and behold, there was another scrape! Same place as the last time, only BIGGER! In fact, the first scrape is covered up completely by the second scrape. It looks as though she was pulling into a parking spot or out of a parking spot and couldn't see over that side of the car to clear whatever was in the path.

I know where she was both times this occurred. She swears she didn't hit anything! I don't know what to make of this yet. No depth perception? Carelessness? Night time driving? Not paying attention? Just can't see over the steering wheel?

True confession...I ran into a fire hydrant one night while diggin' in a bag of Jack-in-the-box french fries. Knocked the bumper loose. Next morning my dad asked what happened. I told him I didn't know. History repeats itself and I'm definitely payin' for my raisin'.

AHS Class of '81

2011-01-21T19:25:00.009-07:00

I've had to come to the realization that many have passed since I graduated high school. Thirty (30) years ago I graduated from Arlington High School. Yep, I was part of the AHS Class of '81! That would make me in the 46 to 48 age group. Cough, choke, gasp...really?

I ask myself these questions:
1) Where did the time go?
2) What have I done?
3) Do I make a difference?
4) Have I've done things in my life that's worthy?
5) Am I happy?
6) Where do I go from here?

I answer these questions:
1) I have wonderful memories and not so wonderful memories from over the years. Time flies, 30 years is a long time to reflect upon.
2) I've gone to college, worked several jobs, married, raised kids, volunteered, and moved out of state. I'm still looking for me, growing and becoming, never ending.
3) Yes, and will continue to do so!
4) YES!
5) Yes, unless my kids act up.
6) Onward...

Marisa & Ralph

2011-01-16T17:12:00.007-07:00

After weeks of cleaning up Dad's house, Marisa is agreeable to cleaning up her room. In honor of my cousin's wife, Wendy, here are 'before and after' photos. But honestly, I cant' tell the difference! At least Ralph isn't sitting on layers of dust and junk.

This is Marisa's desk BEFORE the clean up.

This is the AFTER shot! I know, right!?
But, she is a teenager and this is HER space.

She got a hermit crab for Christmas from her friend.
The crab's name is Ralph.

Marisa loves to take him out of his house and let him crawl around.
At least Risa's room is cleaner for Ralph...I guess.

Love you, Risa...you did good!

Tony's World

2011-01-12T19:52:00.009-07:00

Tony is in a band. They came to the house to practice. Marisa took pictures for me.

Party time!

Excellent!

Tony quit texting! Your at band practice...

Party on, Garth!

Party on, Wayne!

I know, right!? Message to my husband...please have the Tonster clean up after the session! PLEASE!!!

Grandest Century in The World's History, circa 1900

2011-01-05T09:59:00.008-07:00

For a history buff and book geek, this treasure was a find! I was cleaning out a bookcase and came across this old, old leather-bound book with a threaded/woven binding. It was old! I showed it to my dad. He told me that this book I found called "Grandest Century in The World's History" was my maternal grandmother's history book. The publish date is 1900. That would make it 111 years ago! My granny gave it to my dad when she learned he was interested in the Civil War and genealogical history. This text book was published less than 40 years post-Civil War. Imagine the 'take' this book has to offer!

This is the inside cover. The photos are "famous Inventors of the Century": Thomas Edison, Robert Fulton, George Stephenson, James Watt, and S.F.B. Morse.

This page contains photos of Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

This one is my favorites (so far). We know this lady as the Statue of Liberty. However, the caption under the photo reads:

BARTHOLDI STATUE OF LIBERTY

Erected on Bedloe's Island, New York Harbor. Height from ground, 220 feet; stone pedestal 82 feet high; forefinger 8 feet long; head 14 feet high and 40 persons can stand in it.

I'm looking forward to perusing this book! I know that it can 'googled' now, but there is something about holding this literal history in my hands.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T07:36:00.002-07:00

This has been one 'New Year' that I did not expect. I've taken care of a sick parent before. Just a couple years ago, I was helping with my mom. Now, here I am taking care of my second ill (and recovering) parent, my dad. I left many important parts of my life behind to take on this mission. I left my kids, husband, job, home, friends, all that is 'comfortable' to me.

While my brother and I have achieved tremendous strides getting Dad home and accomplished all the legal aspects of protecting him and his corner of the empire he built in this world, it's the little things that are humbling. Day in and day out, I do 'little' things for my dad. I make breakfast, retrieve the newspaper from the front yard, straighten the pillows, drive him to appointments, lay out his clothes. I think the most humbling for me is helping Dad shave. As a small child, watching your dad shave is interesting. As an adult-child caregiver, watching your dad shave is humbling. So if it's breakfast he wants, a ride to get a haircut, help dialing the phone so he can talk to a friend, I'll do it. No question.

In doing these 'little' things for my dad, I think of my favorite saint, Therese of Lisieux. She is the patron saint of illnesses and missions. She practiced little vitures to achieve great deeds. Her theme was of littleness: 'The Little Way'.

"Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

There will come a time when the tables will turn and I will be returning to Colorado, leaving yet another important part of my life behind. But knowing that I did everything possible to make Dad happy and help him restore his health, independence, and dignity makes the return easier. I don't mind doing the little things for my dad. He's my dad!